Madiba Nelson Mandela: In Memoriam

South Africa, and the world, mourns the loss of a great symbol of the human struggle for freedom and justice for all.

Today, I paid my respects to Mr. Mandela by going to the South African Consulate General of Chicago.  I walked into the building containing it across Michigan Avenue from the Art Institute (and next door to Orchestra Hall), and went up to the 6th floor.  I was directed down a series of hallways to a meeting room.  In there was a table that had a picture of Mr. Mandela, some flowers, and an official book of condolence from the Republic of South Africa.  These books are at South African consulates and embassies all over the world, and people are invited to sign them.  All this week, the Chicago Consulate General is inviting the public to sign its book.  It is also available for signing at some other sites, too--click on the link above for more details.

I wrote my name in the book, and then wrote a note to the effect of the following: "Madiba Mandela, a one of a kind man on the world stage:  His struggle for freedom for all people reverberates around the world, and urges us on in the work toward creating a better society for all people."

Similar to America's "Shot heard round the world", Nelson Mandela, through his role in the struggle against Apartheid, has become a symbol for humanity's struggle against injustice.  So while South Africa lays a claim to him, he belongs the world, as the woman at the consulate remarked to me in our brief chat as I departed, referring to what Barack Obama said in his speech at the memorial service on Tuesday.

It was good to have this opportunity to pay respects to this man in such a humble way, joining with many others across the world in doing so.  What's really cool is that the government of South Africa will take these books and put them in either Nelson Mandela's museum and/or give them to his family.  My name and comment will be among the many that will be part of a lasting memorial to him.

Indeed, at this time, many are praising Madiba.  Despite this, it's disheartening to discover details about some of his imperfections, including his record of support for abortion.

Nevertheless, there are many admirable things he did which are worthy of recognition.  He struggled long and hard against a system of injustice, and was able to lead the country that imprisoned him.  That's quite a story.  And I hope it is one that continues inspiring all people throughout the world to seek a more just society for all people.